Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

It never fails, when I buy bananas, and I eat one, I think, “God, how good is this?” But by the time I go to eat another (usually the next day and especially in FL,) they went brown. Can you relate?

But, to be honest, as delicious and fresh as a good yellow banana is, I LOVE to use “old” bananas to cook with. Whether it’s trying out a new recipe or throwing them into a protein shake, browned bananas are my jam. And this banana bread recipe? You will love how easy it is and how great it tastes!

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

  • 2 eggs, whisked
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1/2 cup almond milkIMG_20180308_153653
  • 2 ripe bananas, smashed
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 1/2 cups rice flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • pinch of salt

Cinnamon Swirl Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 4 tablespoons coconut sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon

In a large bowl, add the eggs and whisk. Next, add the avocado oil and almond milk. Add in the bananas and smash until mixed and incorporated. Stir in the honey. Add in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix together to incorporate.

For the cinnamon swirl sauce, mix the ingredients together in a separate small bowl.

In a glass bread pan, greased with avocado oil, add half of the bread mixture. Then, add half of the cinnamon swirl sauce. Finish by adding the rest of the bread mixture and remainder of the sauce on top.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 55 minutes or until you can stick a skewer in and it comes out clean.

This was my first time making banana bread with rice flour and it turned out so yummy! I’m glad I tried this new recipe and I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

So, when life gives you overripe bananas, make Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread=)

Like this recipe? Check out my other books=)

Want a paperback copy? Reply in the comments and I’ll send you one.

I Love to Travel: Cruise Tips

So, we did it. Our first cruise is in the books. It was a short four day venture and, all in all, it was pretty great. We went from South Florida, to further in South Florida in Key West, then to Cozumel, Mexico, a day on the ship and back.

I had never been on a cruise before but there were some things I brought and I was SO GLAD! Want to know what they were? Here you go=)

Sun HatIMG_20180210_233132

I bought said sun hat in Panama. It’s literally the first (and only) sun hat I have ever bought. It’s big and purple and I love it. Plus, it worked great for the cruise. The last day we spent on the back of the ship, tanning, reading and drinking and without that hat I would have left the cruise with a sunburned face. Instead, I left golden brown face.

Scarf

I have the most beautiful, soft, Persian scarf and this, too, was perfect for the trip. Not only is it gorgeous, cashmere, and an amazing accessory. It’s also huge, warm and doubled as a great extra but also a sometimes needed (warm) shoulder cover up.

Rope or Necklace (Holder) for Your Ship Card

Little did I know we would have to have a card to do everything on the ship. Order food? Need your card. Drinks Where’s your card? Want to leave the ship or get back on? Card. Get a shoelace necklace, rope or chain to wear your card. So much easier and then you always have it with you.

Ginger or Peppermint Oil Peppermintoil

Even if you think your tummy is good, if you’ve never been on a cruise, bring something to tame your tum! I always have peppermint oil on me (or at least in some form because the allergy oil blend I use has peppermint in it) so that is good. I also have been eating crystallized ginger since I was a child..it was my Grams go to for anything tummy.

Sunscreen

Make SURE you have sunscreen. I mean, you can spend 3 times as much on board to buy some if you want, but you WILL need it. On the ship, on excursions, and any time your outside slather it on. The ship gives you ample opportunity to get in your Vitamin D, but if you’re not careful, you’ll get a lot more than that.

Literally having these things (minus anything for my card) helped so much. I was really thankful I thought to bring these items and I know they helped me to enjoy myself to the fullest.

Anything I missed? I hope you are taking the time to enjoy this life, too, and get out and do new things when you can! XOXO

 

My Homemade Chinese Book is About to Come Out, and YOU Could Win It!

Hi fellow WordPress followers. And Happy Wednesday!

Chinese Lime Broccoli (1)
In the new book!

I want you to have a chance to win my new book, but you have to subscribe!

All you need to do is go to iwantwellness.co and wait for the bright green pop-up. Once you see it, add your email and you’re in=)

You will also snag a week long gluten-free, soy-free meal plan and other incentives via

shrimps (1)
In the new book!

 email. Not only this, but you will be entered into any and all future giveaways just for being a subscriber!

And, just for you, here’s a couple recipes from Everything’s Better with Homemade Chinese, Easy and Delicious Paleo Chinese Recipes. (Aka the new book=)

https://atomic-temporary-100964869.wpcomstaging.com/2018/02/10/egg-drop-soup/

https://atomic-temporary-100964869.wpcomstaging.com/2017/10/25/chinese-lime-broccoli/

I just know you are going to love this new book. I hope that you enjoy these recipes and make sure to subscribe for a chance to win your very own copy!

You know you’re gonna love the new book? Check out the old ones, too=)

Want a paperback copy? Reply in the comments and I’ll send you one!

Egg Drop Soup

When I was younger, my mom always had things to help us feel better if we felt sick. For some it’s chicken noodle soup, for me, it was her egg drop soup. My moms version was Chicken Ramen, cooked to the package directions, with an egg dropped in. I remember this fondly and although I don’t eat Ramen anymore, her soup is what inspired this dish.

I have created a healthy, chinese-y soup that is done in under 5 minutes and so good. This soup is the easiest and quickest, you will want it all the time.

Egg Drop Soup

drop soup (1)

  • 5 cups chicken stock
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon liquid aminos
  • 5 eggs, beaten
  • large pinch of salt and pepper

Add the chicken stock to a medium-sized sauce pan, along with the sesame oil and coconut aminos. Bring to a boil. Add in the eggs and stir. Add the salt and pepper and turn off the heat. It’s done, serve immediately.

Like this recipe? Check out my other books, and watch for more to come!

Want a paperback copy? Reply in the comments and I’ll send you one

Our First Cruise, and Why I’m so Excited

When you’re living in a touristy, beach town like Delray Beach, FL, you really have to take in everything that’s around you. When Nick and I first moved here, there were so many new and fun things to do and places to visit. We were always on Groupon looking for fun adventures, wine and beer tastings, and things to do for day trips.

It’s over two years later, and we’ve done a lot. Parks were walked in, drinks were had, IMG_20160814_103155and exploring was done. One of my favorite things was Devil’s Millhopper State Park. I loved that it was a hilly hike and the different views (from forest to rainforest) you got to see on your way down into the sink hole.

There are some things we knew we wanted to do before leaving South Florida, that we haven’t yet done, and a cruise was one of them. Neither of us have ever been on a cruise and I am definitely so excited.

Why I’m Most Excited

This is the thing though, and I know it will make you laugh. The number one, most exciting cruise thing I cannot wait for is the complimentary room service! And probably not for what you’d expect. I want to have a fresh fruit plate in my room at all times, HAHA. (But so serious.)

Isn’t that the best? Totally me though. Of course I have already thought of and “planned out” what to have and such for wellness purposes. Because, well you know me. Anyhow, beyond my excitement for a constant fruit plate, there are so many things I look forward to!

The Best Parts

  • countless activitieslittle-palm-island-resort-spa-little-torch-key-florida-keys-florida-103523-2
  • our first stop is Key West, another Florida must see that’s on our list
  • I can only imagine the gym is amazing, sprawling and state of the art- Yay!
  • Our last stop is Cozumel, Mexico and Nick told me he wants to hike the ruins, double- Yay!
  • since it’s our first, I’m glad the cruise is only four days, in case we don’t like it (js)
  • According to what I read, there are comedy shows, stage shows, a rum bar, a tequila bar and a DJ to top it all off

The View

If these aren’t enough reasons to be excited, we are also staying in an ocean view room. How gorgeous will that be?!?

Do you have vacas or trips coming up? My wellness book is chock full of tips for anyones busy lifestyle, especially on the road. Click on the book and check it out!

 

Lemon Fusion

Nick was feeling sick, so I wanted to help him feel better. Using oils is great for us, our environment and can even be made into blends for cleaning. I just love them especially because they’re easy to use and natural.

Lemon oil is one of my favorites. It has great, healthy properties and can purify the air and disinfect your stuff. Win-win.

I love lemongrass and wanted the amazing powers of lemon oil, too, so I mixed them together. And thus: Lemon Fusion.

Lemon FusionLemons4-1250x650

  • 3 drops Lemongrass
  • 3 drops Lemon

Diffuse for its immune boosting abilities and an amazing, fresh scent.

Oils are one of my favorite ways to stay naturally well. What else do you love to use around the house or with your family for wellness?

Check out my wellness book, for anyone on the go and looking for healthy everyday tips.

Disclaimer: I use Young Living Essential Oils and based on my research, I believe these are the best, safest, and most pure oils on the market. PLEASE do your own research and determine which oils are best for you and your family.

Crunchy Italian Garlic-Roasted Broccoli

Growing up, my mom made dinners from scratch and she was always trying new things in the kitchen. She even catered for a while and her food is still some of the best I’ve ever eaten.

I’m so thankful to have been grown and fed fruits, vegetables, bean soups and lean meats, and all kinds of delicious, healthy food. And my mom’s food is so full of flavor, everything tastes great, especially the healthy stuff.

I always aim to please at my dinner table and when recipes turn out amazing, I can never wait to share them. So, here it is. My newest broccoli creation. The topping is crunchy and yummy and the broccoli is full of garlic flavor and has a nutty, browned coating because it’s baked. Yum.

Crunchy Italian Garlic-Roasted Broccoli

  • 2 1/2 cups broccoli, cut into small bite-sized piecesCrunchy Italian Garlic-Roasted Broccoli
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1/4 cup gluten-free panko bread crumbs
  • salt and pepper

Mix the broccoli, garlic and 2 tablespoons avocado oil. Sprinkle salt and pepper and bake in the oven at 400 for 15 minutes.

In a separate bowl, add the rest of the almond oil and the bread crumbs. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and mix again. Remove the broccoli from the oven and pour the bread crumb mixture over top. Bake another 5 minutes and serve.

Like this recipe? Check out my other books, and watch for more to come!

Want a paperback copy? Reply in the comments and I’ll send you one.

Oatmeal Raisin Breakfast Cookies

Give the people what they want! This phrase rings true from business to family dinners, alike. My hubby loves these cookies, and so do my Facebook friends, and you will, too!

My breakfast cookies are easy to mix together and quick to bake. They’re also sugar-free, delicious, and such a healthy start (or snack!) Enjoy!

Oatmeal Raisin Breakfast Cookies

  • 2 cups oatmealoatmeal raisin breakfast cookies
  • 1 banana
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 3 tablespoons honey (or Vegan preference)
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 3 tablespoons water

Mix everything together in a bowl and heat the oven to 350 degrees. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, place the cookies and bake for 20 minutes. So good and so easy.

Recipe makes 12 cookies.

Like this recipe? Check out my other books, and watch for more to come!

Want a paperback copy? Reply in the comments and I’ll send you one

What Happened to all the Resolutions?

I know, it seems I’m late to the game..but it’s not true! I’ve been thinking about and working towards my “resolutions” and goals already this year. But I have a question..

dodo-model-news-two-column.jpgDid anyone see resolutions made publicly this year? It’s almost as if resolutions are going the way of the dodo.

I mean, I know statistically we “give up” on the years goals before January is even over. Or we don’t want to make them because we don’t want to fail..but this is the thing. If you aren’t trying to better yourself, you’re getting worse.

I know it’s hard (and scary sometimes!) to make and set goals and keep them, it is for me. But I’m going to try anyhow!

Because resolutions don’t have to be life or death. Or if you don’t do it, you fail. Or if you miss one day, one time, one extra, then you didn’t do it right. No, that’s not the point of it.

~The definition of a resolution is the firm decision to do or not to do something.

~And the definition of resolve is to find a solution or to decide firmly on a course of action.

I like resolve better, instead of a set in stone, unmovable decision you can make a plan that remains flexible but with an equally great end goal.

So for me, resolutions are out and resolving to do things in my life, is in. Is it the same thing? Maybe. But I don’t mind a good plan of action.

I’m excited for 2018. A year better than the last and a year of moving forward. And I’m excited about the things I have chosen to resolve to do more, too.

This year, I resolve to:

pray more.Cross-Image

First, I want to pray more. My faith has grown stronger with each passing day and I want more. I’ve been reading my daily prayer book with quick devotionals, I downloaded a Bible app that sends me short devotionals each day and I’m getting caught up with my Cindee devotionals, too, and it feels good.

stretch more.

I want to do more yoga, too, but my stretching is so essential! Working and sitting a lot is so terrible for you. I love to stretch during shows or during an at-home movie. It feels so good to stretch after a workout, too. I’m aiming for 3 times a week.

eat better, more.

I love to eat healthy, so I guess I’m blessed with that. But I also love snacks, drinks, wine, cheese, and coffee…all things I should cut back on more. I did have a coffee this morning, but no wine last night. Getting better already, LOL.

skip caffeine, more.66e40ec49ba9ca439d205f9018a2ac02.jpg

So, I recently tested for allergies and intolerances and it turns out, I’m highly sensitive to caffeine. I like tea and have drank coffee for years and like dark chocolate more then milk chocolate, too (dark has more caffeine.) Anyhow, I got this result less than a month ago and I remember feeling sad!

The first reason, I love coffee! And as a writer I feel it a right of passage, to brew and consume my morning cup. Plus, anyone who has had a caffeine headache (me,) never wants one again. But it turns out, I don’t miss it too much.  I had a tea a couple of days, a coffee a couple of days, and have had nothing some days. Yay! And knowing I shouldn’t have it motivates me not to, so it’s working out already.

read with my hubby, more.download (1).jpg

Nick really loves to read and while I do, too, it isn’t something I want to do for hours everyday. But the thing is, he does. I want to indulge him more in reading this year. I can read more and he loves to read together (but separate,) so I want to do that more with him.

So there you have it. There are lots of other things I want to do this year, more butt workouts, being one of them. (Did one today, yay!) And to be the best wife and friend that I can be, of course.

The thing is, there is plenty of time in the day, you just have to do it right. You just have to make it happen and fit in things when you can. And remember, small changes along the way make such a difference=) So, with that being said, go out and do it!

Hope 2018 is treating you well so far, and that you have resolved to do some awesome things with yourself this year, too. Please share and have a great day XOXO

Do you want more wellness this year? Subscribe to my site (this is different than following!) You will get a free gluten-free meal plan, more freebies and weekly wellness emails, too! Got to iwantwellness.co and wait for the bright green popup and enter your email=) Leave comments with questions!

Do you want to cook more this year? You just have to check out my books! Whether you want more vegetables, healthier sweets, or more dinner ideas, I’ve got you covered!

Want a paperback copy? Reply in the comments and I’ll send you one.

For more wellness this year, check out my wellness book with healthy tips for everyone. Busy at home or on the go, the tips work for us all=)

Chipotle Egg Casserole with Red Pepper and Gouda

Eggs and vegetables are such a great start to the day. Whether you like breakfast at 8am or 11am, this casserole is the perfect fit.

Chipolte Egg Casserole is stuffed with veggies, has bacon and gouda, and is prepped and ready to pop into the oven in just minutes.

Chipotle Egg Casserole with Red Pepper and Gouda

  • 8 eggs, scrambledIMG_20180102_120551
  • 5 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup gouda cheese, shredded
  • 1 tablespoon Chipotle seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons bacon grease

Cover the bottom and sides of a 9X9 pan with the bacon grease and heat the oven to 350 degrees. In a separate bowl, whisk to scramble the eggs. Pour into the baking pan.

Add the onion, red pepper, and bacon and stir. Sprinkle in the cheese. Finish by adding the seasonings and stirring to combine. Pour into your baking dish and bake in the oven for 30 minutes. Enjoy!

Like this recipe? Check out my other books, and watch for more to come!

Want a paperback copy? Reply in the comments and I’ll send you one.